North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Which stage of death and dying follows anger?

1. Denial

2. Bargaining

3. Depression

4. Acceptance

The correct answer is: Bargaining

The stage that follows anger in the process of death and dying is bargaining. This concept comes from the well-known Kübler-Ross model, which describes the five stages individuals often encounter when facing grief and loss. After experiencing anger—where individuals may express frustration, outrage, or resentment regarding their situation—they may move into the bargaining stage. During this bargaining phase, individuals often try to regain control over their circumstances, seeking to negotiate with themselves, others, or a higher power, usually in hopes of reversing or mitigating their loss. This might manifest as thoughts like “If only I could have one more day...”, reflecting a desire to make deals or promises in exchange for relief from their situation. Understanding this progression from anger to bargaining helps provide insight into the emotional responses people may experience when dealing with grief, ensuring that caregivers or loved ones can offer appropriate support during this challenging time.